Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
your opinion about taking a Honda xl200 or xr125l ! your opinion about taking a Honda xl200 or xr125l !
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Lois Pryce, schoolkids in Algeria

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo of Lois Pryce, UK
and schoolkids in Algeria



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Thumbs up your opinion about taking a Honda xl200 or xr125l !
Name: xr125l 1.jpg Views: 18304 Size: 9.7 KB

Name: honda xl200.jpg Views: 10537 Size: 11.6 KB

Hello people ,
As some might know the bike are very expensive here in South America.
So for the moment i am limited to a small bike.
So i know a big bike will do better but it is not a option.

I am planing a trip from Ecuador to Peru and maybe Bolivia,
and i like to know what people think about these 2 options that i have in mind.My first choice would be the xl200, it has a few things i do not like:
small tank ,no rear rack,so i think going slow that the xr125l is not so bad at all,but i am also going to ride in the mountains ,not sure if it will still be a nice ride??
And going on the xl200 i need to bring a jerrycan.
I am living here for a few years now so i am jused to the slower bikes.

xr125l xr200

Tank 12liter 8.5 liter
(350km.range) (200km.range)


rear rack yes no

hp 11 19?


O.k. people just like to know your optinion.

Saludos!!
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Thumbs up
Something in the layout went a bit wrong in the post above.
So i do it again.

Honda xl200: tank:8.5liter (200km.range) Hp:19 ,No rear rack.
Honda xr125l12liter (350km.range) Hp:11, standart rear rack.

Saludos.
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 5 May 2012
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Without doubt I would choose the 125
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Thanks,
the xr125l also has standart a kickstarter and electric starter here in Ecuador!
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
O.k. it seems like not many people know about small cc motorbikes.
(650cc or 1200cc is more far more popular i guess)

Saludos.
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 6 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Mimbres, New Mexico, USA
Posts: 511
I don't know if it is available in Ecuador, but I rented a CTX200 Honda in Guatemala. This bike has front and rear racks, still a small tank though. Intriguingly, it has side stands on both sides, which is surprisingly useful. I rode it up to maybe 2,500 meters elevation, and up a hill at that altitude, it would go maybe 50 kph. But you know that, as I assume you have ridden up the hill from Puyo to Banos. If you go into the high mountains of Peru, I would not want to be on the 125, given the choice.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 6 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 562
I rode a XR 125 and it really lacked power, but I'm sure there it had a problem, otherwise it wouldn't sell that much being so slow (in comparison, a Bajaj Pulsar 150 looks like a Hayabusa). It wouldn't got any quicker than 85 km/h under any conditions (full throtle and with patience). Not that you need speed, just to show how it felt the one I rode. Sorry, cannot tell more... only it is quite tiny, like a trail bike on "scale", all the rest I liked it.

Both new and 2nd hand markets look pretty expensive in South America...

Buena suerte and happy rides on that beautiful trip!

Esteban
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 6 May 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Lima
Posts: 20
Hi there.
I left Peru on a Honda CGL125 at the end of February and i´m currently in El Salvador.
Uphill at altitude you´ll be going slowly, but so will everyone else. How much of a hurry are you in? The only time i`ve wanted something faster was on the coastal panamerica in Peru - but that was just a stupid choice of road.
I´ve got a 300km range and i´ve never come close to needing all of it.
Get on with it, you´ll have a great time - on either
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 7 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Thanks guys,

The ctx200 is the same bike as the xl200,only the xl200 has no racks.
Its a real pity that the ctx is not sold here in Ecuador.Those racks
are so great on that bike.
Name: f1862-honda-ctx-200-1.jpg Views: 21484 Size: 31.0 KB

I haven't had the chance to sit on the xr125.Is it really so small?
I a few reviews some tall people said that they liked it because it
was a bit bigger than other 125's.
And the saddle seems comfortable?
No matter what i will take ,it will be a blast!!!!

Still its nice from some professional feedback from you guys.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 7 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by anaconda moto View Post
I haven't had the chance to sit on the xr125.Is it really so small?
I a few reviews some tall people said that they liked it because it
was a bit bigger than other 125's.
And the saddle seems comfortable?
No matter what i will take ,it will be a blast!!!!
A Yamaha DT 125 has small engine, but it is not small, but the XR is smaller (like a XT 125, if you've seen it). I'm 1,76 and enjoyed it's size, my feet really flat on the ground with my legs not fully extended. Not the case on my XT 600. Smaller size seems to me a nice advantage: so easy to handle, to lift it leans to one side while you are seating... as long as you are not very tall. May sound stupid, but it's kind of "cute". I'll try to find a photo with me on it (in the meantime, a picture right next to a CBF 125 on this thread).

I don't remember the saddle to be particularly unconfortable, not more than the XT, which I'd say is pretty unconfortable.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 8 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Hola,
Esville that's a interesting ride you make!
You keep a blog or something? Good luck man!!

Estebangc ,i saw the picture!
Is the suspension on that xr125 a bit better then that chinese crap?
(that is the mane reason to take a little Honda and not a chinese bike i think!?)

Thanks
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 8 May 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Seville (E)
Posts: 562
Quote:
Originally Posted by anaconda moto View Post
Hola,
Esville that's a interesting ride you make!
You keep a blog or something? Good luck man!!

Estebangc ,i saw the picture!
Is the suspension on that xr125 a bit better then that chinese crap?
(that is the mane reason to take a little Honda and not a chinese bike i think!?)

Thanks
Upps, sorry, I messed it up and uploaded the picture in the other post you answered! Good you could see it.

About suspension, I cannot tell you. I rode the XR only on good paved roads and I have never ridden a chinese bike to compare it. I'm no expert at all and wouldn't notice the difference unless it were very obvious. Overall, I guess the Honda will be more reliable. What about something in between, as a Bajaj Pulsar? Or will you travel often dirt roads?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 8 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191

Hola ,Bajaj Pulsar 220 is a great bike for its price.
Good on asphalt,can do gravel roads as well but its very low,and the
suspension hard.

The few Chinese bike i tried always had terrible suspension.
The fact that you did not notice the suspension on the xr is a good thing i think.
I like the xr125 the only reason i might go for the xl200 if the suspension i a lot better. Anyone knows about that?

Thanks.
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 May 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Norfolk/Suffolk border
Posts: 178
I have a XT 600 and tbh the power is ok. Its a heavy bike for the cc's. Saying that it will be able to carry a fair load.
I have read lots of stories on hear.
People going round the world on 125s, sym symbas, all manner of small bikes.
Even a guy taking a pistie bike from Aus to England.
Most have no money or are slightly looney tunes.
It could be the challenge.
If you want to use or have to use a small bike!
My opinion is to travel light, very light.
Bivvy, sleeping bag, puncture outfit and some clean undies.
It still will be a challenge
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 May 2012
anaconda moto's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Ecuador, amazone, puyo
Posts: 191
Thanks,

i think in Europe it is a bit more necessary to have a faster bike.
Here people take what they have ,and that is mostly no more then 200cc.
And here aren't a lot of high ways.
But i am sure to go travel light.

Saw a other little bike the "yamaha xtz125" Name: xtz 125.jpg Views: 13071 Size: 12.7 KBonly 100kilo's, that's 20 kilo lighter than the "xr125l", and 1hp more hahahaha.

Any thoughts on that one?

Saludos
__________________
Freedom is all i need!
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Woman buys new Honda in Buenos Aires xfiltrate Women's Topics 4 15 Dec 2009 22:33

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 09:01.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top